Recent weather-related tragedies serve as reminders

Two recent incidents, one in this area and one not, are very real reminders of the potential dangers of hot weather, says the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.

Last week a person was seriously injured and had to be air-lifted to a local hospital after nearly drowning on the Cedar River near Flaming Geyser Park while rafting.

On Friday, two children died from the heat after becoming trapped in a vehicle in Texas.

Both incidents are wakeup calls and reminders that hot weather can bring certain dangers with it.

If on the water this weekend or at any time throughout the summer, remember:

• Wear a fitted, Coast Guard approved, life jacket

• Supervise children

• Don’t mix alcohol and water activities

• Avoid using inexpensive rafts on moving water

• Rapids, very cold water, and branches or logs can all turn a fun day into a tragedy

Never leave children in vehicles unattended at any time, but especially in sunny weather.

• It doesn’t have to be hot. Days in the ‘70s produce enough heat to be a danger to children in a car

• Cracking open a window doesn’t help. The heat is radiated from the interior, so a slight breeze won’t have much of an effect

• Kids dehydrate quickly and their bodies do not compensate for heat as well as an adult

• If you concerned about unattended children in a car, call 911 immediately

• Remember that pets can suffer from being left in a vehicle as well

One common cause of children being left in a vehicle is that the person with them forgets about them. Drivers who have a change in routine, don’t normally transport a child, or are trying to juggle too many things at the same time are all reasons that this tragedy happens.

• Put your purse or other often-used item in the back seat next to the child to remind you they’re there.

• Make sure daycares and schools contact you if your child doesn’t arrive at their scheduled time.

• Set reminders on your electronic calendar

• Call your spouse to remind them